Common Issues with Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great way for patients to have beautiful, healthy new teeth, without having a removable fixture like dentures, partial dentures, or a bridge. Today’s implants are a great product, and for most of our patients, dental implants can be placed with little to no problem. However, just like any surgical procedure, there can be problems that arise with dental implants. Some of these problems can be resolved, some get better with time, and, unfortunately, some can cause permanent damage to your mouth. If you are considering dental implants to replace missing or damaged teeth, here are the common issues that dental patients can experience.
The Implant Doesn’t Attach to the Bone
This is probably the most common problem that patients experience with dental implants. Dentists will do their very best to place your implant in the best part of your mouth and jaw, but sometimes your body just doesn’t want to hold on to the implant. After they install the implant into your jaw, it will take a few weeks for your body to start growing bone around it. This process is called Osseo-integration. If your implant feels loose or falls out, there’s a good chance that this process hasn’t happened. What causes this? Well you may have suffered too much bone loss before having the procedure or you may naturally not have enough bone density. Infections can slow down Osseo-integration, as can things like poor oral hygiene and smoking. It’s important if you have new implants that you avoid smoking and make sure that you take good care of your mouth while it is healing.
Infections
Infections are a common problem that patients can experience after having a dental implant placed in their mouth, and fortunately, it’s also the most avoidable of the problems patients can face after dental implant surgery. Infections are frequently caused by patients not caring well for their mouth after dental implant placement. Your dentist should provide you with complete post-surgery instructions. These instructions are critical to avoiding infection, and making sure your implants take hold in your mouth. This includes a prescription for antibiotics. Make sure that you keep your mouth clean and take your antibiotics as directed to ensure that you avoid painful and detrimental infections.
Nerve Damage
We often see nerve damage in patients that come to us from other dentists or periodontists. Nerve damage is most often caused by implants being placed in a bad position in the mouth, where nerves are present and easily nicked. When nerves are damaged from an implant, you will notice that you may have constant pain, numbness or tingling in your mouth, gums, tongue or cheeks. This may go away over time, but for many patients this will be a life long struggle. To avoid the problem, make sure that your dentist or periodontist is well qualified and experienced in placing implants.
Cracked or Broken Implants
This isn’t a very common problem, but we do see this from time to time. Dental implants are not indestructible. They can break, and often do if you grind or clench your teeth or are hit very hard in the face or mouth. Dental implants are made from very tough materials, and they should last you a very long time. However, if you find yourself with a broken implant, the good news is that they are relatively easy to repair.
Looking for a Dentist in the Warren, MI Area?
Dental implants are a great way to fix your smile. For most of our patients, this process is problem free, and they are rewarded with a beautiful, healthy smile. However, occasionally problems do occur. If you are having problems with a recently installed dental implant, give Smile Brightly a call today. Dr. Apsey and his experienced dental team in Warren can help you determine the best course of action for repairing your implant and getting your mouth healthy and happy again. To schedule a appointment at our Warren dental office or to learn more about our dental services, please call us today at (586) 573-7700.